Tag: richardjarocki

Machu Picchu Without the Hike

You don’t have to hike the Inca Trail to experience Machu Picchu—train and bus transportation make the site accessible to non-hikers.

A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Machu Picchu by Richard Jarocki

For most people, Machu Picchu conjures up images of strenuous hikes, early mornings, and dusty boots. But what if you could witness the same breathtaking wonder without breaking a sweat—and do it all in luxury? As someone who blends high-end travel with real, on-the-ground experience, I set out to explore Machu Picchu in style—and this is your guide to doing the same.

This isn’t a backpacker’s trip. This is Machu Picchu, elevated.

Getting There in Style

You don’t need to hike the Inca Trail to reach this iconic site. There are two scenic train options that offer a luxurious way to get there:

Belmond Hiram Bingham Train – The gold standard of train travel in Peru. Think polished wood interiors, white tablecloth dining, live music, and panoramic windows. A full brunch, cocktails, and a private guide at Machu Picchu are included. Conde Nast Traveler ranked it among the most luxurious train rides in the world. Read more

Vistadome or Sacred Valley Train – Still upscale, with large viewing windows and comfortable seating. Ideal for travelers who want luxury without the full Belmond price tag.

Pro tip: Spend a night or two in the Sacred Valley to acclimate before the train ride. It’s the perfect prelude to the trip.

Where to Stay: Luxury Hotels Near Machu Picchu (and Cusco)

You have several top-tier lodging options that offer incredible service, views, and proximity to the ruins:

1. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Why it stands out: It’s the only hotel located right at the entrance to Machu Picchu. That means exclusive early access before the crowds.

Ideal for: Those who want privacy, priority access, and round-the-clock service.

2. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Vibe: Eco-luxury meets Andean jungle. Private casitas, organic gardens, and on-site nature trails.

Highlight: Their on-site spa and focus on sustainability make it a perfect retreat.

3. Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Perks: Exceptional Peruvian cuisine, cooking classes, and spiritual offerings like Andean rituals.

Location: Aguas Calientes, the town just below the ruins.

4. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Location: Sacred Valley (Urubamba)

Highlight: Private train station on site. Ideal for a soft landing and full-service spa immersion.

5. Alpaca Lodge & Explorations

Location: Sacred Valley

Vibe: This eco-conscious retreat provides private chalets with hot tubs and sweeping Andean views. The standout feature? Guests can pet and feed friendly alpacas on-site. With a focus on sustainability and serene design, it’s a perfect blend of luxury and authenticity for travelers seeking an unforgettable, immersive experience.

Book: View Alpaca Lodge & Explorations on Airbnb

6. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Location: Cusco city center

Vibe: Housed in a historic colonial mansion with original Incan stonework, this hotel is both luxurious and culturally rich. Guests enjoy elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and one of the best breakfast spreads in Peru—served as early as 4–5 a.m. for early risers.

7. Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Location: Cusco, near the Plaza de Armas

Vibe: A 16th-century monastery turned luxury hotel, combining historical charm with Belmond’s signature service. Known for its oxygen-enriched rooms and refined on-site dining, it’s an ideal base for unwinding after your Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu adventure.

Reaching Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail still involves walking through the archaeological site, including stone paths, steps and uneven terrain.

Visiting the Citadel in Comfort

The final leg of your journey begins with a 20-minute shuttle up a winding mountain road. While many arrive breathless and tired from the trek, you’ll step off refreshed and ready to immerse yourself.

Private Guided Tours

Flexible pacing tailored to your interests

In-depth knowledge of Incan history, architecture, and astronomy

Opportunities for quiet moments of reflection away from the crowds

Pro Tips for a Seamless Visit

Go early: First entry at 6 a.m. means cooler temps and golden light for photos.

Skip the stampede: Afternoon entries (2–4 p.m.) can be calmer once large tour groups have left.

Choose Circuit 2: This route offers panoramic views and includes key sites like the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza.

Dining and Recharging

After the citadel, indulge in a gourmet lunch at your hotel or opt for one of Aguas Calientes’ finer restaurants like Indio Feliz or Tree House Restaurant, known for their creative takes on Andean cuisine.

Then unwind with:

A massage using native botanicals

A private soaking tub overlooking the river

Afternoon tea and a glass of Chilean wine

Machu Picchu’s preserved stone buildings sit high in the Andes, surrounded by steep mountains and shifting clouds.

The Return: Reflect and Rejuvenate

Early Riser Perks at Palacio del Inka
If you’re staying at Palacio del Inka before or after your Machu Picchu visit, take advantage of their thoughtful early-morning amenities. The hotel begins serving breakfast as early as 4–5 a.m. to accommodate travelers heading out for sunrise tours. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference when your day starts before dawn.

The train ride back is a chance to reflect on the scale of what you’ve just seen. Luxury trains often include dinner service, live music, or a glass of champagne as you cross back into the Sacred Valley.

Once in Cusco, extend your journey with another few nights at Palacio del Inka or Belmond Hotel Monasterio. Add on curated experiences like:

A private pisco tasting

Artisanal market tours

Day trips to nearby natural and cultural wonders such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, the Maras Salt Mines, or the agricultural terraces of Moray

Machu Picchu’s stone structures and agricultural terraces reveal how the Inca built an entire city into the steep Andean landscape.

Final Thoughts

Machu Picchu doesn’t have to be a grueling expedition to be meaningful. With the right approach, it becomes something far richer—a seamless blend of adventure, culture, and luxury. Whether you’re sipping champagne on the return train or waking up in a centuries-old monastery, this journey offers moments of awe, reflection, and refinement.

If you’re ready to experience Machu Picchu in comfort and style, this is your invitation to travel differently—and intentionally.

Plan your curated luxury experience at Travel with Richard

Even without hiking the Inca Trail, exploring Machu Picchu requires navigating narrow passages, uneven stone paths and steps.

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May 21, 2025
F1 2025 Season Kicks Off: What to Expect from the Australian & Chinese Grands Prix
by Richard Jarocki

The Next Two Stops in the 2025 Formula 1 Season: Australia & China

The 2025 Formula 1 season is set for a thrilling start, with two high-stakes races that will shape the early championship battle. The action begins in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix before shifting to Shanghai for the return of the Chinese Grand Prix. Here’s what to expect from these pivotal races.

Australian Grand Prix (March 16, 2025 – Albert Park Circuit)

For the first time since 2019, the Australian Grand Prix kicks off the season, setting the stage for intense competition. The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne blends street-circuit characteristics with fast, flowing corners, demanding precision from drivers.

Key Storylines:
- Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut – The seven-time world champion begins a new chapter with Ferrari. Can he challenge Max Verstappen and stake his claim early?
- Early Season Pecking Order – With all teams unveiling their 2025 cars in a race setting for the first time, who will emerge as the frontrunner?
- Oscar Piastri’s Home Race – McLaren’s rising star will be eager to impress in front of an Australian crowd. Can he deliver a standout performance?
Chinese Grand Prix (March 23, 2025 – Shanghai International Circuit)

After several years off the calendar, the Chinese Grand Prix makes a long-awaited return. The Shanghai International Circuit, with its mix of long straights and tight technical sections, will test car performance and strategy alike.

What to Watch:
- Ferrari vs. Red Bull vs. Mercedes – Will Red Bull maintain its dominance, or will Ferrari and Mercedes close the gap?
- Shanghai’s Unique Challenges – The track’s sweeping Turn 1-2 complex and long back straight leading into a heavy braking zone provide prime overtaking opportunities.
- Tire Wear & Strategy – Known for its abrasive surface, Shanghai often pushes teams to make crucial tire management decisions.
Why These Races Matter

These first two Grands Prix will set the tone for the season, providing the first real indications of car performance, team strategies, and title contenders. With Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and the return of Shanghai to the calendar, expect surprises, rivalries, and intense competition from the start.

Who do you think will take the first two victories of 2025? Share your predictions!
March 14, 2025
Nelita São Paulo Review of a Meal Worth Remembering

My January 2025 meal at Nelita São Paulo was one of the best I’ve had in the city. I sat at the counter directly in front of the kitchen, watching chef Tássia Magalhães and her team work. The food gave me plenty to remember. So did the people behind it.

Tássia is exceptionally talented, yet she is also one of the most humble and warm chefs I’ve met. Her love of cooking and flavor came through in the meal. Sommelier Danyel Steinle brought the same care to the wine pairings, making the food even more enjoyable.

That connection between kitchen, wine and hospitality is what makes me want to return.

Visit: January 2025. Updated October 2026. The dishes below describe my visit; awards and practical information have been checked separately for this update.

My seat at the Nelita São Paulo kitchen counter

A view of the kitchen at work from my counter seat at Nelita, January 2025.

The counter was a big part of the experience. Being directly in front of the kitchen let me see the work going into the dishes as the evening unfolded. I could appreciate the food and the people making it at the same time.

Nelita felt cozy and refined. Tássia’s warmth made it easy to feel comfortable, and watching the kitchen added another reason to pay attention. It is a seat I would ask for again.

The restaurant is in Pinheiros, a neighborhood with plenty of reasons to plan an evening around dinner. For more of the places I’ve personally eaten, my São Paulo restaurant guide puts Nelita alongside other meals that have stayed with me.

Tássia Magalhães and the food I remember

One of the courses from my January 2025 meal at Nelita.

Pasta from my January 2025 dinner at Nelita, photographed from above.

The Italian influence was clear in the pasta and other dishes, while Brazilian ingredients gave the meal its own character. Nelita’s own description of the kitchen connects that approach to Tássia’s roots in Guaratinguetá, in the Vale do Paraíba, and to the memories and ingredients of the region.

These are the dishes I remember from my meal at Nelita São Paulo. They are a record of that evening, rather than a promise of what will be on the menu when you visit.

Pão de queijo gougère

The pão de queijo gougère introduced the restaurant’s personality early. It was a memorable way to bring a Brazilian reference into the meal, and it belongs among the details I still associate with Nelita.

Pumpkin cappelletti and eggplant ravioli

Pumpkin cappelletti and ravioli with eggplant and smoked tomato were two of the pasta dishes that stayed with me. There was comfort in those combinations, with the precision I want from a restaurant cooking at this level. The pasta was an important part of what made the meal so satisfying.

Beef tongue with polenta and passionfruit sorbet

Beef tongue with polenta gave me another dish to remember beyond the pasta. The passionfruit sorbet brought a welcome freshness to the meal. Together with the earlier courses, these are the flavors and combinations I think of when someone asks me about Nelita.

Danyel Steinle and the wine pairings

Food and wine together at the Nelita counter, January 2025.

The wines deserve real space in this review. Danyel, Tássia’s partner in the restaurant and now her husband, was an essential part of what made the evening work.

I loved seeing the connection between them. Their teamwork carried through to the pairings: the wines brought more out of the food and made an already excellent meal feel more complete. The attention given to the glass matched the attention given to the plate.

That is what I want from a pairing. I want to enjoy the wine, of course, but I also want it to help me appreciate the dish. At Nelita São Paulo, the two belonged together, and Danyel’s contribution deserves as much attention as the cooking.

The recognition since my visit

The awards Tássia, Danyel and their restaurants have received since my January 2025 visit feel thoroughly deserved.

Tássia was named Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2025 and Chef of the Year at Prazeres da Mesa’s 2026 awards. Nelita reached No. 12 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2025.

In the 2026 VEJA SÃO PAULO COMER & BEBER awards, Nelita won Best Italian Restaurant and Danyel was named Sommelier of the Year. Their wine bar, Lita, also won Best Wine Bar in the same edition.

I’m happy to see their work recognized. My enthusiasm started with the meal itself, and the awards give me another reason to look forward to seeing what they do next.

Why Lita is on my list for November

When I return to São Paulo in November 2026, I also want to visit Lita, Tássia and Danyel’s wine bar across the street. It opened in September 2025, after my Nelita visit.

I haven’t been yet. After experiencing their cooking, wine pairings and teamwork at Nelita, I’m curious to see how that partnership translates to a wine bar. It is one more place to fit into a trip that already has plenty of meals I’m looking forward to.

A richly sauced course from my January 2025 dinner at Nelita.

A petal-topped pastry from my January 2025 meal at Nelita.

Planning a meal at Nelita São Paulo

Nelita is at Rua Ferreira de Araújo, 330, in Pinheiros. The restaurant says tasting-menu visits require a reservation. Use Nelita’s official website for the current menu and booking options, and ask about counter seating if you want the perspective I enjoyed.

Confirm the available menu, pairing options, price and cancellation terms before booking. My January 2025 dishes are memories of that visit, and menus can change.

If you’re building a longer trip, my São Paulo travel guide covers the wider city. For two other very different tasting-menu experiences, read my Evvai and Tuju comparison.

Would I return to Nelita

Absolutely. I remember the food, the counter and the way Tássia and Danyel worked together to make the evening feel complete. Tássia’s warmth and humility stayed with me just as clearly as her talent.

Nelita gave me one of my best meals in São Paulo. I would happily go back for the cooking and the wine pairings, and for another chance to sit in front of that kitchen.

March 14, 2025
Experience Modern Mexican Cuisine at Metzi
by Richard Jarocki

A Dynamic Duo Behind the Kitchen

Metzi is the creation of Eduardo Nava Ortiz and Luana Sabino, two visionary chefs who bring their unique expertise and passion to the restaurant’s ever-evolving menu. Eduardo Nava Ortiz, a Mexican-born chef, brings an authentic and modern perspective to traditional Mexican flavors, while Luana Sabino, a talented Brazilian chef, infuses the menu with fresh local ingredients and creative techniques. Together, they craft dishes that beautifully merge Mexican tradition with Brazil’s rich culinary landscape.

A Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere

Located in São Paulo’s Pinheiros district, Metzi offers a warm and intimate setting, with minimalist decor that allows the food to take center stage. The ambiance is casual yet refined, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience without the formality of a fine-dining establishment. With limited seating, Metzi fosters an exclusive feel, ensuring personalized service and a memorable gastronomic journey.

The Menu: Tradition Meets Innovation

Metzi’s menu is a thoughtful and ever-evolving showcase of modern Mexican cuisine, with a particular emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. While dishes change frequently, here are some signature highlights that capture the essence of Metzi’s culinary philosophy:
- Tostada de Atún – A beautifully crafted dish featuring fresh tuna, avocado, and vibrant citrus notes, highlighting the balance of freshness and umami.
- Mole Poblano with Duck – A refined take on the classic mole poblano, with complex layers of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors complementing tender duck.
- Tacos de Pescado – Light, crispy battered fish tacos served with housemade tortillas and an exquisite selection of salsas.
- Tamales de Elote – A nod to Mexican heritage, these delicate corn tamales are a must-try, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to traditional techniques.
- Huitlacoche Risotto – A unique fusion of Mexican and European influences, featuring earthy huitlacoche (corn truffle) in a rich, creamy risotto.
- Churros with Spiced Chocolate Sauce – A playful yet refined dessert that pays homage to a beloved classic.
An Impressive Beverage Selection

Metzi’s drink menu is just as carefully curated as its food offerings, featuring an outstanding selection of:
- Mexican Spirits – A diverse range of mezcal and tequila options, perfect for sipping or enjoying in crafted cocktails.
- Natural & Organic Wines – Thoughtfully selected wines that enhance the dining experience, complementing the restaurant’s bold yet delicate flavors.
- Signature Cocktails – Inventive creations that incorporate fresh fruits, Mexican spices, and artisanal spirits, offering a refreshing pairing for every dish.
Accolades & Recognition

Metzi has quickly risen to prominence within São Paulo’s fine-dining landscape, earning a Michelin Guide recommendation and securing a spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This recognition solidifies Metzi’s reputation as one of the top destinations for contemporary Mexican cuisine in the region.

Why Metzi Should Be on Your Culinary Radar

What sets Metzi apart is its ability to take authentic Mexican flavors and present them in an elevated, artful manner while still maintaining the soul of the cuisine. With Eduardo Nava Ortiz and Luana Sabino’s expertise, a meticulously designed menu, and an intimate atmosphere, Metzi offers a truly unique gastronomic experience in São Paulo.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, an adventurous foodie, or someone looking for a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience, Metzi is a restaurant you won’t want to miss. Its commitment to tradition, innovation, and top-tier ingredients makes it a standout in São Paulo’s competitive dining scene. Be sure to book a reservation in advance, as this culinary gem is in high demand!

Have you been to Metzi? Share your thoughts and favorite dishes in the comments below!
March 14, 2025